3 Tarps: Choose 1

The dimensions of the MLD option you have listed are a bit too small for my liking so I'd personally cross that one off the list.

I've been happy with Zpacks .51oz cuben fiber so I'd go with that one due to price and extra foot of length.

I carried a Cuben grace solo on my pct thru hike and found for me personally that it was the perfect size for moderate storms and bivy-less tarping.

If you want versatility it's hard to beat silnylon. The cuben won't let you pitch the tarp in as many options without being a flappy mess. Silnylon has more stretch and can be pitched in more ways.

Also are you using a bivy? I would recommend it with tarps smaller than 8 feet wide.

Ian, thank you for your response.

The way that Zpacks sews (and then seam seals) on their tie outs makes me hesitant to go with that option. I like the fact that HMG and MLD bond their tie outs, especially in regards to the mid panel pullouts.

Do you know if that is actually something to worry about? Would the sewing compromise the face fabric integrity?

Thanks again for keeping your post relevant to the topic.

I can only speak for the Hexamid as my stand alone tarp is a MLD grace solo. But, from my experiences with the Hexamid, I have no concerns with their materials or construction methods. I should disclose that I've only owned the Hex for one year so that's my short term impression of it.

Kelly, my Hexamid is sewn then taped, no seam sealing required. The seam strength on the Zpacks stuff is as strong as anything else out there on the market right now. If you are worried about strength and durability, get the .74 oz option – the heavier stuff is bomber.

Andrew and Ian,

Thanks for the responses. I'll have to email Zpacks to get a quote. I had an 8.5×10 tarp from them and the way the panel pullouts were adhered gave me the impression I have now.

Sewing cuben just makes me uneasy. Even if it is taped and especially when it is used on the fabric face.

I should also mention I purchased one of MLD's new rain skirts so I would be able to use that as a beak for any of these tarps.

My choice would be the Zpacks because of the length. I also prefer an 8' width, as I like to be able to spread out as well as pitching horizontal to the windward side with that side all the way to the ground if I suspect a bad storm. But you should be able to get by with the 6' width if you are careful with your pitch. The seams on the Zpacks tarp are taped and sewn. I would also opt for the .74 cuben. At that size, the weight difference would not be much, but the durability increase would be substantial..

Thanks BJ. That is stretching my budget, I will have to think on it.

Seems as though the general consensus is that the Monk tarp is too small for one person even with a bivy.

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Am I missing something but if money is tight and you're not sure of size, why don't you start with something like the Borah 5.5'*9' at $50. I've spent five nights under mine, two being wet and it's an experience, it does the job though, length seems fine but width, I'm not sure, I need to spend more time under it.

http://www.borahgear.com/tarps.html

What I found with a tarp the size of the monk tarp is that there are going to be times that you are going to get some water entry somewhere when it gets bad. It can be liveable, you just have to accept some discomfort on occasion. If you are careful you can go with the lighter cuben in the size you want from Zpacks, you just have to be more conscious of punctures and abrasions. Your rain skirt will definitely improve your comfort in bad weather. I think you can make the 6×9 work. You can tell, I love tarps!

"I am leaning towards the MLD Monk tarp because funds are tight and its light weight.

I am wondering if the width will be too small? I am 6'1" and have fairly broad shoulders."

6'3" here and broad shoulders. Smallest tarp I've personally used is a USGI Poncho which is roughly 5×7. I personally wouldn't want to go with anything much smaller than that in either direction. The dimensions of my Grace Solo is pretty close to ideal at 7' X 5 ' X 9'. This is large enough for me to lay out my gear and not worry about bringing a bivy.

Of your listed choices, 6×9 or 6×8 would be my recommendation.

I recently made myself a cuben tarp. There is not a single stitch on the tarp. All seams were taped. The 0.51 oz/yd material is plenty strong. I just came back from a 3 day outing in Desolation wilderness and it was super windy and the tarp took it like a champ.

On the size, I went with square 106" (8'10") (Basically I tried to use the whole width of the roll which is 54" and lost 1' for the ridgeline and 1/2" on each side for the edge hems).

I still have to learn a lot about different pitches, etc but so far I found I wish I had something a bit longer. John at Bearpaw wilderness designs recommends at least 10' in length and I agree with him.

My advise to you is save weight on the material by going with 0.51 oz/yd and put it in a longer tarp (10' minimum).

I have the Monk – it works well in storm mode with a bivy. I would not use it without the bivy unless in an emergency.

To be more emotional than analytical….

Sounds like you *want* the Monk. If you get anything else you might be wondering if you should have gotten the Monk instead.

I'd go with my gut, but hedge by getting the Monk in silnylon, See how small a tarp you can get by with. Then if it works for you sell and upgrade to cuben.

Or just dive in on the cuben — it's still the cheapest.

How would you most often pitch the Monk? In a way where the addition of the rain skirt beak would be able to compensate for narrow width?

I'd say no to Zpacks if you've had a Zpacks before and didn't like it. Even if you're amply reassured and logically convinced, it might still bug you.

HMG is a lot of $ for something you're not totally in love with — and the Monk is longer!

Honestly, I was hoping that the Monk would get more recommendations, but I think I am still going to go with it.

I have used a 8.5×8.5, 8×10, and a Grace Duo.

Each one had its pros and cons.

The 8.5×8.5 was light and very versatile but not long enough for complete protection without a bivy.

The 8×10 was great for full protection and it was pretty versatile but heavy.

The Grace Duo was great for rain protection but needs a bivy for wind protection.

All tarps were made by HMG or MLD using the most durable materials and highest quality construction.

My aim with this thread was ultimately to find the lightest option that would have the pros of all of the tarps above.

Thank you to all who have responded and provided insight, I am going to give the "big" tarps one more run each this weekend and then (re)post them on Gear Swap.

I think the 8 x 10 MLD Super Tarp is 10 oz, no? No bivy required.

They are all too small. 8×10 or 9×9 provide more coverage, more options, and no bivy required. To me these attributes trump weight every time. My Nano tarp is lighter than my bivies, which I gladly leave at home when using a tarp.

Dave,

The HMG 8×10 is 9.5oz before guyline and stakes. With no bivy required, but it needs more stakes (14) to pitch it adequately in storm mode.

How many stakes does your monk require in storm mode?

Nick,

How do you handle wind in your Nano while in exposed campsites?

Thanks.

So off the top of my head, I was using 10 in a half pyramid storm mode. I could have probably gotten away with 8.

Campsite selection is critical, but we can't predict changes in wind direction. Pitched low, I've never gotten my bag or quilt wet, or been unable to sleep. Tarps require skills that are acquired over time.